49ers notes: Snyder named starting right tackle

August 25, 2009, 2:19AM

08/25/2009

SANTA CLARA &amp;#8211; On a day the 49ers settled their competition at quarterback, coach Mike Singletary also anointed a regular-season starter at right tackle.

Adam Snyder, who struggled in six starts at that position last season, has won the starting job over veteran Marvel Smith, who is still being limited to one practice a day as a precaution.

Smith signed with the 49ers in the offseason after finishing the past two years on the Pittsburgh Steelers' injured-reserve list with back problems.

Snyder has performed capably at right tackle during training camp and the first two exhibition games after promising Singletary he would be a much-improved player if he were allowed the luxury of playing just one position.

Since breaking into the league as a third-round pick of the 49ers in 2005, Snyder has started 38 games at four different spots on the offensive line.

Snyder sustained a mild right knee sprain in the 49ers' exhibition game Saturday against the Raiders and will not play this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith is scheduled to start at right tackle Saturday.

Singletary said Snyder will be ready to play when the 49ers open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

When asked Monday if Snyder will be in the starting lineup for that game, Singletary answered, "I think so."

McDONALD ACTIVATED

The 49ers activated defensive lineman Ray McDonald off the physically-unable-to-perform list. He was cleared to return to practice after undergoing offseason surgery to repair the anterior-cruciate ligament in his right knee.

McDonald is expected to contribute to the 49ers' pass rush this season as a defensive tackle on third downs. McDonald ranked second on the 49ers last season with 37 quarterback pressures, though he recorded only one sack in 15 games.

SANTA CLARA &amp;#8211; On a day the 49ers settled their competition at quarterback, coach Mike Singletary also anointed a regular-season starter at right tackle.

Adam Snyder, who struggled in six starts at that position last season, has won the starting job over veteran Marvel Smith, who is still being limited to one practice a day as a precaution.

Smith signed with the 49ers in the offseason after finishing the past two years on the Pittsburgh Steelers' injured-reserve list with back problems.

Snyder has performed capably at right tackle during training camp and the first two exhibition games after promising Singletary he would be a much-improved player if he were allowed the luxury of playing just one position.

Since breaking into the league as a third-round pick of the 49ers in 2005, Snyder has started 38 games at four different spots on the offensive line.

Snyder sustained a mild right knee sprain in the 49ers' exhibition game Saturday against the Raiders and will not play this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith is scheduled to start at right tackle Saturday.

Singletary said Snyder will be ready to play when the 49ers open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

When asked Monday if Snyder will be in the starting lineup for that game, Singletary answered, "I think so."

McDONALD ACTIVATED

The 49ers activated defensive lineman Ray McDonald off the physically-unable-to-perform list. He was cleared to return to practice after undergoing offseason surgery to repair the anterior-cruciate ligament in his right knee.

McDonald is expected to contribute to the 49ers' pass rush this season as a defensive tackle on third downs. McDonald ranked second on the 49ers last season with 37 quarterback pressures, though he recorded only one sack in 15 games.